Seed is the characteristic reproductive body of angiosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms (conifers and cycads). It consists of a miniature undeveloped plant embryo surrounded by a protective coating. Seeds are extremely versatile, able to perform a variety of functions, including dispersal.
Seeds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some seeds have wing-like appendages, which aid in wind dispersal. Others, such as those of the coco de mer, are buoyant and float in the sea.
They are an important source of food
Seeds are a nutritious and vital part of every human diet. They are rich in complex carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. They also provide dietary fiber, which helps keep the digestive tract healthy and reduces inflammation, bloating and constipation. Seeds are also high in manganese, a micronutrient that has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
Botanically, a seed is any part of a plant that can grow into a new plant. It consists of an embryo enclosed in a reserve of food and protected by a skin called a seed coat. The food reserves may be either starchy or oily, depending on the species of seed.
Seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats and vitamin B-6. They are very nutrient-dense, so it is important to consume them in moderation. To maximize their nutrient content, it is best to eat seeds in the morning or before bed. They can also be added to smoothies, salads or mixed into cereal.
They are a way of reproduction
Seed is the fertilized ovule of a flowering plant, surrounded by a reserve of food and protected by a hard shell. It is the basic unit of reproduction in angiosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms.
Seeds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many are long and pointed so they will spread far from the mother plant, while others have prickly or sticky appendages that attach to fur or feathers of animals. Some seeds float, such as those of coconut palms; others are coated with waterproof coverings that allow them to disperse over water.
Some seeds require a period of “stratification” to break down physiological dormancy. This process involves adding moisture to the seeds and subjecting them to a period of cold weather, usually over winter. The seeds then germinate and grow into plants that produce more seeds, continuing the cycle of life. Plants that grow true to their parent species are said to be open pollinated and are likely to produce the same type of plant as the original.
They are a source of genetic diversity
Seeds are the receptacles that store genetic information, giving them the potential to grow into a new plant. They are the primary means of reproduction for many plants, including crops, forest trees, and turfgrasses. They also contain valuable nonfood commodities such as cotton fiber and oils from linseed, milkweed, and crambe.
While seed production in natural plant populations can vary widely, seed collections designed to maximize genetic diversity are often used to ensure the sustainability of re-established species. The degree to which a collection achieves this goal depends on factors such as plant mating systems and population structure, but empirical tests of these relationships are few.
Cecilia’s research will contribute to our understanding of how mating systems shape patterns of genetic diversity within and among wild populations, and help inform practical, broadly applicable germplasm collecting guidelines. The results will also shed light on the evolution of genes involved in ovule and seed development, a complex process.
They are a source of income
Seeds are a source of income, especially for poor farmers who cannot afford to buy expensive fertilizer and herbicides. They can also be used to propagate turf grasses, forest trees and pasture plants. They are also a source of nonfood products such as seeds for textile fibers such as cotton and silk, and oils for cooking, margarine production, painting, and lubrication such as flax, sesame, rape, soybean, castor bean, and jojoba. Seeds are also sources of medicines such as laetrile, castor oil and tea tree oil, and are popular as beads in necklaces and rosaries. They come in a wide variety of sizes, from conkers to celery seed, and shapes including kidney-shaped and spherical to discs or wings such as those of the dandelion.
